What's the most common wildlife problem in Clifton homes?

Squirrels and raccoons in attics are extremely common, especially in spring and fall as they seek nesting sites. Bats in attics or chimneys are also a frequent issue that requires specialized handling.

Is it legal for me to trap and relocate a raccoon from my property?

While you may use lawful means to address damage, New Jersey strongly discourages the relocation of wildlife. Relocated animals often struggle to survive and can spread disease. Professional wildlife control operators typically follow state guidelines which may involve on-site release or other approved methods.

Who do I call for a sick or injured wild animal?

Do not approach the animal. You should contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or a licensed Wildlife Control Operator (WCO). Passaic County Animal Control generally focuses on domestic animals.

Why is bat removal so specialized?

Bats are protected by specific regulations due to their ecological role. They also pose unique health risks (like histoplasmosis from droppings) and can squeeze through very small openings. Proper exclusion involves installing one-way devices that let bats exit but not re-enter, followed by sealing all gaps, which must be done at the correct time of year.

What's the difference between pest control and wildlife removal?

General pest control often deals with insects and small rodents using pesticides and traps. Wildlife removal specialists handle larger mammals and birds, focusing on humane live-trapping, complex exclusion work, and are knowledgeable about state wildlife laws. Many companies offer both services.

How can I prevent wildlife from returning after removal?

The most critical step is professional exclusion-permanently sealing all possible entry points. This, combined with ongoing habitat modification (secure trash, no outdoor pet food), is the best defense against future invasions.

Pest Control in Clifton, NJ,

Discovering an uninvited animal in your attic, walls, or yard can be unsettling and potentially damaging. Wildlife removal is the professional service of humanely and safely resolving conflicts with nuisance animals, focusing on permanent exclusion to prevent their return. In Clifton, where urban spaces meet natural habitats, encounters with raccoons, squirrels, bats, and other wildlife are common. This guide explains the local wildlife landscape, your options for animal control, and how to find qualified professionals who adhere to New Jersey's strict regulations to protect both your property and the animals.

Universal Pest Control

118 Locust St, Roselle, NJ 07203

Universal Pest Control is a family owned and operated pest control company serving Newark, NJ, and the surrounding Union County area. They offer a wide range of pest management services including cockroach, ant, termite, bee and wasp removal, as well as wildlife control. Their licensed and trained technicians use up-to-date methods to address pest infestations safely and effectively. With years of experience, Universal Pest Control provides free consultations and estimates to help customers find tailored solutions for their pest issues.

5.0

393 Reviews

Recon Pest Control Inc

79 Escanaba Ave, Staten Island, NY 10308

Recon Pest Control Inc is a family-owned pest control company based in Staten Island, serving New York, NY, and nearby New Jersey. They offer a wide range of pest management services including bed bug extermination, termite control, rodent removal, mosquito reduction, bee and wasp removal, and wildlife relocation. The company also provides specialized solutions like the SolaTrim Pest Abatement Barrier to protect solar panels from pigeons and rodents. Recon Pest Control partners with Dad and Daughters Home Inspection, LLC to offer comprehensive home inspections and related services.

5.0

359 Reviews

GoSafe Pest Control LLC

264-07 Langston Ave unit B, Glen Oaks, NY 11004

GoSafe Pest Control LLC is a locally owned pest control company serving New York, NY. They provide a range of pest management services including bed bug treatment, cockroach and ant control, rodent control, termite inspections, mosquito control, bee and wasp removal, bird and pigeon control, and wildlife removal. The company offers eco-friendly solutions tailored to client schedules, with options for weekly to seasonal visits.

5.0

213 Reviews

800-Raccoon Pest & Wildlife Control

32-07 Astoria Blvd N, Astoria, NY 11102

800-Raccoon Pest & Wildlife Control is a family-owned pest control company serving New York, NY, with over 45 years of experience. They offer comprehensive pest management services including rodent control, termite inspections, mosquito control, and humane wildlife removal for both residential and commercial properties. Their approach covers all aspects of pest prevention and treatment to protect homes and businesses effectively. The company emphasizes a thorough, multi-step process to ensure complete pest protection and peace of mind for their clients.

5.0

181 Reviews

Uma Pest Control

200 W Milton Ave, Rahway, NJ 07065

Uma Pest Control offers a range of pest management services in New York, NY, including bed bug treatment, termite inspections, mosquito control, rodent removal, and bird control. They provide commercial, residential, and industrial pest control using green botanical products when preferred. Uma Pest Control is known for its one-day bed bug treatment that combines freeze, heat, and steam methods in a single visit, avoiding multiple follow-ups common with other providers. Their services also cover insect repellents, exclusion work, and wildlife removal for animals like bats and raccoons. The company operates from Rahway, NJ, and has been maintaining pest control services for several years.

5.0

153 Reviews

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Common Nuisance Wildlife in Clifton

Clifton's mix of residential neighborhoods, parks, and proximity to the Passaic River creates ideal conditions for various animals to seek food and shelter in human structures. Knowing which species are most likely to cause issues is the first step in addressing a problem.

Mammals: The most frequent culprits include squirrels, raccoons, opossums, skunks, foxes, woodchucks, bats, rats, and mice¹ ² ³. Squirrels and raccoons are notorious for entering attics to nest, while skunks and opossums may take up residence under decks or sheds.
Birds: Pigeons, starlings, and sparrows often nest in vents, on roof ledges, and in eaves, leading to noise, droppings, and potential structural damage. Specific state and federal rules apply to bird removal, especially concerning native species¹ ² ³.

DIY Prevention and Your Legal Limits

For minor issues, homeowners can take proactive steps to make their property less attractive to wildlife. Effective prevention is often the most cost-effective form of animal control.

Habitat Modification: Secure garbage cans with tight-fitting lids, remove pet food from outdoors, manage compost piles carefully, and clean up fallen fruit from trees¹ ³ ⁴.
Exclusion: Seal potential entry points around your roofline, vents, and foundation. Install chimney caps and repair damaged screens¹ ³ ⁴.
Damage Control: New Jersey law allows property owners to use lawful methods to address property damage caused by species like squirrels, raccoons, and skunks¹ ³ ⁴. However, there are critical limitations:
- Avoid handling any wild animal directly due to risks of bites, scratches, and disease.
- If young animals are present, they must be relocated with the adult, which requires specific knowledge and timing¹ ³ ⁴.
- The relocation of trapped wildlife is heavily regulated and often discouraged by the state¹ ⁵ ⁶.

When to Call a Professional Wildlife Control Operator

While DIY efforts can resolve some situations, certain scenarios necessitate the expertise of a licensed Wildlife Control Operator (WCO). These professionals are trained in humane trapping, state regulations, and permanent exclusion techniques.

You should contact a licensed professional for:

Bat infestations, which require special exclusion techniques and are protected by specific laws¹ ² ⁷.
Large or persistent infestations in attics or walls (e.g., a colony of squirrels or raccoons).
Situations where DIY efforts have failed.
If the animal appears sick, injured, or is a species you cannot safely identify.
When the job requires cleanup of droppings/contamination or repairs to entry points¹ ² ⁷ ⁸.

It's important to distinguish between services: Passaic County Animal Control typically handles domestic animals like stray dogs and cats, while licensed Wildlife Control Operators are equipped for complex wild animal issues¹ ² ⁷ ⁸.

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Understanding New Jersey's Wildlife Laws

Hiring a professional who understands state regulations is crucial. New Jersey has strict guidelines governing wildlife management to ensure humane treatment and ecological balance.

Permits and Ownership: It is illegal to possess most native wildlife without specific permits from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP)¹ ⁷ ⁵.
Relocation Policy: The state's official policy discourages the relocation of nuisance wildlife due to the stress on the animal and the risk of spreading disease or creating problems in new areas. Professional removal often involves on-site release or, for non-releasable (injured/sick) animals, humane euthanasia¹ ⁷ ⁵ ⁶.
Professional Focus: Licensed WCOs emphasize permanent exclusion-sealing the entry points after removal-as the cornerstone of ethical and effective wildlife control¹ ⁷ ⁵.

What to Expect: Services and Costs

Professional wildlife removal services in Clifton typically follow an integrated process: inspection, humane removal, exclusion (sealing entry points), and optional cleanup/repair. Costs are highly variable and depend on the animal, the extent of the infestation, and the repairs needed.

Based on available market data, here are general price ranges for common services in the area² ⁷ ⁹ ¹⁰:

Small Jobs (e.g., removal of a dead animal or a single snake): Starting around $99+.
Rattlesnake Removal: Can range from $320 to $796 on average¹⁰.
Bat Removal & Exclusion: Often a flat rate between $250 and $600+, as it involves installing one-way exits and sealing all potential re-entry points.
Raccoon, Squirrel, or Opossum Removal: Typically $200 to $600+, with costs increasing if there is an established nest, damage, or need for major repairs.
Bird Removal & Deterrence: Generally $100 to $300+, depending on the species and the complexity of excluding them from the structure.

The key takeaway for Clifton homeowners is that for complex wildlife problems, investing in a licensed professional who understands NJ regulations and focuses on permanent exclusion is the most reliable path to a long-term solution¹ ² ⁷.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

NJ Wildlife Relocation Policy - NJ.gov - https://www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/pdf/relocation_policy.pdf ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶ ↩⁷ ↩⁸ ↩⁹ ↩¹⁰ ↩¹¹ ↩¹² ↩¹³ ↩¹⁴
Clifton Wildlife Removal, Pest Animal Control NJ - http://www.wildlife-removal.com/city/NJ-Clifton.htm ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶ ↩⁷
List Of Nuisance Animals And Their Wildlife Management - https://4njpest.com/list-of-nuisance-animals-and-their-wildlife-management/ ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶
Effective Wildlife Removal in New Jersey - Amco Pest Control - https://amcopest.com/news-and-updates/effective-wildlife-removal-in-new-jersey ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴
Need Wildlife Help? New Jersey Nuisance Wildlife Animals - https://4njpest.com/help-new-jersey-nuisance-wildlife-animals/ ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴
Wildlife Relocation Policy - https://dep.nj.gov/wp-content/uploads/njfw/wildlife-relocation-policy.pdf ↩ ↩²
New Jersey Wildlife Control & Animal Removal Business - https://pro-animal-control.com/new-jersey-wildlife-removal/ ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶ ↩⁷ ↩⁸
Clifton Wildlife Control / New Jersey Animal Removal - http://www.aaanimalcontrol.com/professional-trapper/city/NJ-Clifton.htm ↩ ↩²
Prices for Clifton Wildlife Pest Control Animal Trapping - http://www.aaanimalcontrol.com/professional-trapper/prices/NJ-Clifton-prices.htm ↩
Rattlesnake Removal in Clifton, NJ - Costs 12 / 2025 - Homeyou - https://www.homeyou.com/nj/rattlesnake-removal-clifton-costs ↩ ↩²

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